If you’re looking for real relief – relief from anxiety that keeps spiking, panic that feels unpredictable, stress that never fully turns off, depression that makes everything heavier, a life transition that’s left you feeling unsteady and unsure of yourself, a trauma that’s kept you trapped in the past, or from that inner voice that always tells you “you’re not doing enough” …

And you’re looking for a therapist who can bring both empathy and direction – so you’re not just talking in circles, but actually making progress you can feel …

You’ve come to the right place.

Hi! I’m Eric Alcala, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and behavioral and mental health therapist providing online psychotherapy for adults in California and New York.

My goal is simple: to help you find relief, reclaim a sense of calm and control, and move from surviving into thriving – cultivating confidence, healthier relationships, and a more peaceful, meaningful life.

But therapy is a very personal experience. And its success depends on the healing relationship you and I create together.

So, in case you’re curious to know a little about me and why I do this work …

I’ve always liked helping people – but I didn’t set out to become a therapist from the beginning.

When I graduated in my twenties with a sociology major, I’ll be honest: I wasn’t completely sure what direction I wanted to take.

My early work was in behavioral therapy supporting children with autism. From there, I moved into teaching and education, and later worked for a nonprofit focused on helping kids learn social skills through play.

It was in that nonprofit role that I discovered how much I enjoy mentoring – really getting to know someone, understanding what they’re up against, and helping them build skills and confidence over time.

That experience brought me back to school to earn my Master’s in Social Work.

After graduate school, I spent eight years as a high school dropout prevention counselor. It was meaningful work, and it taught me a lot about resilience, family systems, and how much external stress can shape a person’s internal world.

But I also knew I wanted to go deeper – sitting down one-on-one, helping people understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and supporting them as they work through the patterns that keep showing up in their lives.

I finally took the leap into private practice in 2023 – and haven’t looked back.

All this to say, I’ve “been around the block” a couple of times. I’ve navigated career transitions, different work environments, relationship ups and downs. I’m fortunate to have built a loving relationship with my wife. I’m also moving through the very real transition of becoming a new father.

And all of this shapes how I show up as a therapist: grounded, human, and deeply respectful of how complex life can be.

How I Work

I specialize in providing EMDR therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help adults work through:

I also tend to take a more structured and directed approach than many therapists.

This means I often provide homework and assessments, and always try to tie our work together from one session to the next – so we both have a roadmap to help us track progress towards your goals.

This is one of the reasons I appreciate EMDR: it offers a clear, evidence-based framework that helps clients get “unstuck” in a way that’s organized and steady.

But I don’t rely on EMDR alone …

My work often blends CBT and more traditional talk therapy with EMDR – and at times, a bit of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – so we can use the approach that best fits your needs in a given moment.

This all being said, I treat therapy as a collaborative process.

I’ll ask thoughtful questions and share observations. I’ll also offer perspective when it’s helpful. And I’ll encourage you to ask questions, too – because therapy works best when you understand the process and take an active role in your healing and growth.

You can also expect me to be honest and direct in a supportive way.

If something isn’t working, we’ll adjust. If we’re moving too fast, we’ll slow down. If you want more structure, we’ll build it. If you need more space, we’ll make room.

Ultimately, you’re the one in the driver’s seat. You’re always in control.

I’m here to walk alongside you and provide some direction and structure as you make tangible progress from session to session – so you feel clearer, stronger, and more at ease in your relationships and life.

If you’re looking for a therapy experience that goes deeper than symptom management – one that’s grounded in empathy, acceptance, structure, and collaboration – and you’re willing to do the work necessary to create profoundly positive and lasting change in your life, I invite you to reach out today, schedule a free initial consultation, and see if we’re a good fit. I look forward to speaking with you and helping however I can.

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Credentials & Training

Eric Alcala, LCSW – Online Behavioral and Mental Health Counseling provided by a Behavioral and Mental Health Therapist in Los Angeles, California

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